The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Travel Guide

Why You Need to Visit Chiang Rai Contents

Most people say there aren't many things to do in Chiang Rai. They're Why You Need to Visit Chiang Rai ...... 2 wrong, and I'm going to show you why. Contents ...... 2 All other Chiang Rai travel guides cover attractions near the town such as; White Temple, Black House, the Clock Tower. Sure, these are interesting, Where is Chiang Rai? ...... 3 and you should visit them, but there is so much more to be discovered.

The reality is that most travellers don't go beyond the town, and really miss How to Get to Chiang Rai ...... 4 out loads of amazing things to do in Chiang Rai. Maps of Chiang Rai ...... 5 Chiang Rai has a very diverse culture. There are the people of Northern which speak their own dialect of Thai called Lanna. Then there Attractions in Town ...... 8 are the countless ethnic villagers such as Lahu, Karen, and Hmong which have lived in the mountains around the borders of Cambodia, , China Temples ...... 11 and Thailand for centuries. They maintain age old traditions not seen elsewhere in Thailand. Waterfalls ...... 13 The nature in Chiang Rai is stunning. While living there I discovered beautiful waterfalls, amazing mountain hikes, relaxing hot springs, and Art Galleries ...... 15 even a beach! I explored by longtail boat down and upriver, motorbiked off- beat trails in the national park, and cruised about town in a Tuk-Tuk after Mountains ...... 16 one too many beers. Hot Springs ...... 18 Chiang Rai is no doubt an incredible place. Now I want to share my experience with you. Towns ...... 20

Hotels in Chiang Rai ...... 22

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Where is Chiang Rai? CHIANG RAI Chiang Rai is in the far north of Thailand. It is the most northern province in Thailand, about 2 hours north of by road (car, bus, motorbike).

That's right, there is more than one Chiang in the north of Thailand, and you’re about to learn of more soon!

Chiang Rai borders the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Phayao from southwest to southeast. You might never have heard of these and I suggest visiting them too if you have time.

Chiang Rai shares international borders with Laos and . All three countries meet at the point known as The Golden Triangle.

Travel just another 130km north of Chiang Rai and you will reach Yunnan in China. Now you can imagine how diverse the culture in Chiang Rai is!

You should also know that “Chiang Rai” refers to the province in Thailand. “Mueang Chiang Rai” refers to the town itself within he province.

Mueang Chiang Rai is the largest town in the province, however there a quite a few other interesting towns like Mae Sai, Chiang Kong and Chiang Sean which we’ll see later in the guide.

Mueang Chiang Rai is then broken down in though you will probably never use this information unless you are a geologist or something.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

How to Get to Chiang Rai

Bus – Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai The best way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is the Green Bus. It is the quickest, most comfortable, and most frequent public transport option. Tickets start from 129 THB (USD 3) per person. A one-way journey takes about 3hrs.

There are multiple buses departing each day. This is the latest timetable from the GreenBus. Pre-book tickets on 12GO Asia to ensure you don’t miss a seat.

Note that Chiang Rai has two bus terminals; Terminal 1 in the centre for local buses, and Terminal 2 6km away for intercity buses. A local bus connects the two terminals for 15 THB.

Slow Boat – Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang The slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai is a popular route for travellers heading from Thailand to Laos or vice versa. The slow boat departs from Huay Xai, a small border town 65km away. You will need to get a minivan from Chiang Rai’s Bus Terminal 2 which takes about 1hr 30min.

Trains – None Despite what others may tell you, there is no train to Chiang Rai. You can, however, take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (tickets and timetables). After the 14-hour train, you then take the Green Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Flights – Domestic Routes

Chiang Rai has a domestic terminal with daily flights from major airports including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Popular budget airlines include:

• AirAsia Thailand ($) • Nok Air ($$) • Thai Smile ($$$) • Bangkok Airways ($$$)

Bangkok to Chiang Rai – there are 6 daily flights with AirAsia, and another 5 daily flights with Not Air. The flight duration is 1hr 30 min direct. Flights typically cost less than USD 100 per person, one way, but are generally more expensive on public holidays and long weekends.

Hat Yai to Chiang Rai – there is 1 daily flight with AirAsia, and another 5 daily flights with Nok Air. The flight is just over 2hrs direct and typically costs about USD 140. It saves many hours of travel compared to the bus and train options.

Maps of Chiang Rai

On the next few pages I have included maps of Chiang Rai town and the province with loads of destinations pinned for your trip planning.

If you have an internet connection while traveling I highly suggest checking out my interactive map of Chiang Rai.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Attractions in Town

Temples, markets, monuments, and coffee shops are all within walking distance of town centre (i.e. the Clocktower). The following destinations are perfect for anyone making a quick stop in Chiang Rai, or for just wandering around town on a lazy day.

Wat Klang Wiang Wat Klang Waing dates way back to the 15th century. Apart from the White Temple, this is one of the most oranate temples in Chiang Rai. It also marks the exact centre of town where you will find the city piller.

Opening hours: 6am to 5pm

Get there: a 7 minute walk from the Clocktower along Rattanakhet Road

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai Clocktower Wat Phra Kaew (temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the oldest The Chiang Rai clock tower is a popular monument and artwork to visit temples in all of Chiang Rai, dating way back to the 14th Century. This is right in the centre of town. It is probably the most intricately designed the location where the Emerald Buddha statue was discovered which is round-a-bout in the world. The Chiang Rai clocktower was designed by the now housed in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew (The Grand Palace). same artist who built the famous White Temple.

Opening hours: 7am to 6pm If you want to see the clock tower in all its glory, be sure to visit for the light show which kicks off every night at 7, 8, and 9 o'clock - bang on the hour. Get there: a 10 minute walk from the Clocktower along Kraisorasit Road Don't' be late, you will miss it. Get there: centre of town, easy walking distance from almost everywhere.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Saturday Night Walking Street Kad Luang Market The Saturday Night Walking Street is like the Chiang Mai Walking Street. A The Kad Luang Market is not so much as tourist hotspot as it is a massive huge open-air market sprawls all over the road with loads of food, clothes, local market. You will find all sorts of goods here such as clothing, and other goods for sale. It is a fun place to hang out at night and an easy electronic appliances, fresh fruit and vegetables, street food vendors, and place to meet other travellers. oh so much more.

Opening hours: 5pm to just after midnight The best way to explore the market is simply to walk in and aimlessly wander around the small, almost claustrophobic alleyways. The market Get there: a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower along Thanalai Road. seamlessly merges into the morning market to make one huge hive of activity. Sunday Night Walking Street The Sunday Night Walking Street (Happy Street) is located just behind Watch out for the vendors selling fried chicken and roti. You have to visit Chiang Rai hospital. It is quite similar to the Saturday Night Walking Street late at night after a few beers on Jet Yod Road, you won’t regret it. with lots of street stalls, food arts, and crafts. If you can't decide which of Opening hours: different parts of it are open all day (24hrs) walking street to visit, just do both! Get there: a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower Opening hours: 5pm to about 11pm

Get there: less than a 10-minute walk from the Clocktower. King Mengrai Monument The King Mengrai Monument is Chiang Rai Night Bazaar dedicated to King Mengrai who The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a popular place to hang out at night for established the Lanna Kingdom of good food, cold beer, and live shows. Some nights there is live music, back in 1296. other nights there may be live theatre or Thai comedy shows. The stalls The ancient Lanna Kingdom around the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar offer a wide range of handmade included the region around Chiang goods from the surrounding ethnic villages. You can also find other typical Rai and Chiang Mai. market type goods such as clothing, food, and painting by local artists. Opening hours: all day

Opening hours: 6pm to midnight daily (Monday to Sunday) Get there: a 15-minute walk from Get there: a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower. the Clocktower.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Chiang Rai Beach Train Muay Thai Going to the beach in Chiang Rai sounds odd but it is simple, and a great Where better to start your Muay Thai future than in the north of Thailand? local destination. This beach is not by the ocean obviously. Chiang Rai Lanna Fighting Muay Thai Gym teaches a traditional Lanna (northern) style beach is located 4km outside of town along the banks of the . of fighting. They focus more on posture and technique than on hardcore cardio. The trainers here have toured internationally fighting and It is safe to swim or tube down the river in the dry season from October to performing traditional Muay Thai shows, so they really know their stuff. March. Be careful in the wet season as the current gets very strong. A session typically runs for 1.5 hours which will leave you completely After a swim you can get lunch and some drinks (water, shakes or beers) in exhausted. one of the nice bamboo huts. Food and drinks are cheap and fresh. Opening hours: open all day, don’t swim at night Get there: 10 minutes by motorbike or songtaew, or a 45-minute walk.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Temples Opening hours: 6.30am to 6pm daily (Monday to Sunday) How to get there: The White Temple is located 13km south of Chiang Rai. Discover the iconic White Temple and other lesser known A taxi cost about 300THB one way. The cheaper option is to take the local Buddhist temples across town. blue bus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. The bus costs 20THB one way and takes about 20 minutes. The bus timetable is:

• Mornings: 06:15, 07:10, 08:10, 09:10. • 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM bus every 30 minutes. • Afternoons: 14:35, 15:10, 15:45, 16:20, 17:00

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) Wat Rong Suea Teng is a more recent development in Chiang Rai. The temple was abandoned over 80 years ago, and restorations were complete in 2005. The temple is located about 2 kilometres north of town across the Kok River (much closer than the White Temple or Black House).

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily (Monday to Sunday).

Get there: For the adventurous the Blue Temple is walking or cycling distance from town. Otherwise it is a quick ride in a songtaew or a tuk tuk. Probably the better option.

Wat Phra That Doi Little known to most tourists, Wat Phra That Doi is a temple built up on top of Khao Kwai (Buffalo Hill). The road to the top is steep, but the viewpoint White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is amazing with a beautiful view looking out over the rice fields of outer Chiang Rai. Visit around sunset for the best view. One of the most iconic destinations in Chiang Rai is the White Temple. The art on both the interior and exterior by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat is Opening hours: open all day incredible. In 2014 a huge earthquake shook Chiang Rai and damaged some of the work inside. The White Temples was closed for a while Get there: a 10-minute motorbike or songtaew trip from town, or a 30- restoration were ongoing but is now reopen. minute walk from town.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Black House (Baan Dam) Many people refer to the Black House as the Black Temple thereby drawing a similarity to the White Temple. The Black House (Baan Dam) is actually not a temple but the house of the creative artist Thawan Duchanee. There are a few buildings to explore in the grounds of the Black House each hosting an odd collection of artefacts.

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily (Monday to Sunday). Closed for lunch midday to 1pm.

Get there: (1) charter a songtaew roundtrip from town for 300 THB (USD 10). (2) Take the Green Bus towards Mae Sai from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 for 20 THB (USD 0.80), the one way and takes 20 minutes. Coming back, you will need to walk out to the main road and wave down any passing buss to hop on board, there is no bus stop here.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Get there: there is no public transport to the waterfall, you will need to hire Waterfalls a motorbike or charter a songtaew in town. The best place to do this is around the Clocktower or Jet Yod Road. There is no better way to appreciate Thailand’s nature than to visit a waterfall. Hike through the jungle for an hour to Opening hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily (Monday to Sunday). The waterfall can occasionally be closed after heavy rains in the wet season for safety find a 70-meter stream pouring over a cliff, or simply laze (people have died here before). back in the gardens and take a cool dip in the water. Huay Mae Sai Waterfall Huay Mae Sai Waterfall is a great small waterfall near Chiang Rai. Hardly anyone knows about it. This small two-tiered waterfall is located 19km from the town in the middle of the forest, nearby a nice Lahu Ethnic Hill Tribe.

There is a short 15 to 20-minute walk from the lower parking area to the Huay Mae Sai Waterfall, quite slippery when wet. At the end, you will find two levels Huay Mae Sai waterfall. The lower level has a deeper pool of water and is great for swimming. The upper level has a taller waterfall and a good place to sunbake on the rocks.

Get there: Huay Mae Sai waterfall is not known to many western tourists and is not offered on tour packages. The best way of getting to Huay Mae Sai waterfall is by motorbike or to arrange private transport. There is no public transport servicing this waterfall.

Opening hours: all day daily, there is no National Park administration

Huay Kaew Waterfall Khun Korn Waterfall The Huay Kaew Waterfall (location) is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall, At over 70 metres, Khun Korn Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in northern located far out int the forest. Hardly any tourists make it out this far, and Thailand. It is located in the Namtok Khun Korn Forest Park about 30km most that do are on long hiking tours to the Pha Soet Village, an Akha Hill east of Chiang Rai. The waterfall is reached by a 1.5km trek through the Tribe. Do not confuse this with the Huay Kaew Waterfall in Chiang Mai. forest. Be sure to have a shower right under the waterfall.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

The road to Huay Kaew Waterfall in Chiang Rai is a steep and badly potholed dirt/concrete trail. The route follows the Kok River before heading deep into the forest.

Near the end, you will pass tea plantations and the Pha Soet Village before arriving at a sign for the waterfall. There is a short and fairly easy walk from the village to the waterfall.

Get there: there is no public transport to Huay Kaew Waterfall. Hire a motorbike or charter a songtaew in town. The journey takes about 45 minutes one way. Only take a motorbike if you are a confident rider.

Opening hours: all day daily, there is no National Park administration

Pong Phrabat Waterfall The Pong Phrabat waterfall is located 14km north of Chiang Rai in the Lam Nam Kok National Park. The entrance to the waterfall is at the end of a long road veering off to the mountains behind the Rajabhat University. You will find the National Park HQ at the end of the road. From there it is an Pu Kaeng Waterfall easy walk to the Phong Phrabat Waterfall itself. Pu Kaeng Waterfall has 9 beautiful levels flowing through the jungle. The hike from bottom to top takes about 45 minutes one way. The trail is an The waterfall is a small cascading stream, nothing like the huge Khun Korn adventure, slippery and overgrown, as not many people visit. Waterfall. There is a pool deep enough for swimming in, and some grass to lay back and relax in the forest. Pu Kaeng waterfall is located about 70km south of Chiang Rai near to Pan district, in the Doi Luang National Park. This is at least a half day trip. The area nearby the National Park HQ makes for a great picnic location. You may see many locals hanging out here, especially students from the Get there: Hire a motorbike or charter a songtaew in Chiang Rai. The nearby Rajabhat University. journey takes about 1.5hrs one way following south towards Chiang Mai. The waterfall sign is on the opposite side of the road. Get there: there is no public transport to Pong Phrabat Waterfall. Hire a motorbike or charter a songtaew in town. The journey will take about 25 Opening hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily (National Park opening hours) minutes one way Entry fees: National Park entry fees are 200 THB per person plus a Opening hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily (National Park opening hours) vehicle entry fee.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Art Galleries

Chiang Rai is the art capital of Thailand with a huge range of talented artists living here turning out some amazing artworks from landscape painting to modern sculptures.

Art Bridge Chiang Rai Chalermchai Kostipipat Hall of Masterwork The Art Bridge Gallery is located at the turnoff to Chiang Rai International This amazing art gallery is located right next door to the White Temple. I’m Airport (Mae Fah Luang Airport) and hosts the works of many local Chiang always surprised by how little people make the effort to walk an extra 20 Rai artists. The collection changes every few months. Expect to find meters, but I highly recommend it. The art in here is possibly more huge panorama paintings of the northern Thailand landscape, modern art impressive than the temple itself. and a collection of sculptures. There is a mixture of artworks in this gallery by both Chalermchai and by The Art Bridge gallery is best visited together with a trip to the Black House his students. You will find a lot of intricate paintings in his Buddhist inspired (Baan Daam). White Temple style art.

How to get there: charter a songtaew from town for a round trip for about How to get there: right across the road from the White Temple, see 300 THB. The cheaper option is to take the Green Bus going to Mae Sai directions. from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. The bus costs 20THB one way and takes Opening hours: 8am to 5pm daily (Monday to Sunday) about 15 minutes. Coming back, you will need to walk out to the main road and wave down any passing buss to hop on board, there is no bus stop here.

Opening hours: 10am to 7pm daily (Monday to Sunday)

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

overall relatively easy. You won’t have to walk along the edge of the Mountains mountain unless you really want to, no danger here.

Chiang Rai is surrounded by mountains on the east along I suggest spending about 1 hour at the summit enjoying sunrise. You can Laos, and the west along Myanmar.Enjoy the amazing explore the small walking trails on the mountain ridge which let you wander along the Thai-Laos border a little farther. There are no maps, just wander panoramic views while visitng the ethnic villages. a little bit and you’ll find the way back.

If you want to see sunrise in a one-day trip from town you will have to leave Chiang Rai by 3am. I recommend you spend a night at the village instead.

Most people don’t know about the small ethnic villages near to . I suggest taking a 20-minute drive south east of Phu Chi Fa to Ban Rak Phaen. Here you can explore the small streets by foot and have a chat with the locals. The villagers don’t generally speak English or Thai but their own ethnic language.

How to get there: Phu Chi Fa is a 2.5-hour drive from Chiang Rai. There is no public transport so you either have to hire car/motorbike in town or charter car with a driver (see our options at the end of this guide book).

Doi Mae Salong Doi Mae Salong is located in north-western Chiang Rai and just 6km from Myanmar. The peak at an elevation of 1,367m is accessed via a very steep Phu Chi Fa road. The area around Doi Mae Salong is home to many ethnic villages, Stand way above the clouds at the summit of Phu Chi Fa, and admire the tea, fruit and coffee plantations. view of rural Laos in the valley below. This is Thailand’s most amazing sunrise viewpoint. The most popular time to visit Doi Mae Salong is between December and January when flowers bloom all over the mountain. Doi Mae Salong is best To catch sunrise you will need to The 1-kilometer hike to the peak of Phu reached by spending a night in the village of from where you can Chi Fa is best done early in the morning around 5am so that you can catch take songtaew in the early morning. sunrise at the summit. The walk is steep and slippery in some sections, but How to get there: There is no public transport so you either have to hire car/motorbike in town or charter car with a driver.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Doi Tung Doi Tung is another mountain in Chiang Rai located to the north of the province. by the Myanmar border. There are ethnic villages and tea plantations around the area to explore. Doi Tung is best visited on a day trip up to the Mae Sai Tachiliek border gate.

There are 6 main attracitons to visit at Doi Tung including;

- Colour of Doi Tung Festival – shop and local foods - Mae Fah Lunag Gardens – a garden with lots of beautifu flowers - Doi Tung Royal Villa – a villa for the Princess Mother - Hall of Inspiration – a museum of the Thai Royal Family - Mah Fah Luang Arboretum – see amazing views of Myanmar - Doi Tung Treetop Walk – a raised walkway through the trees

Doi Pha Tang How to get there: Doi Tung is approximately 60kmn north of Chiang Doi Pha Tang is located 30km north of Phu Chi Fa, nearby a small Chinese Rai town.There is a public bus number 619 from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai village called Ban Pha Tang. The road from Ban Pha Tang to the peak of which departs every few hours from 12.50pm. From the bus stop at Doi Pha Tang is a steep 1km ascent via a badly potholed road. It is another Baan Huay Krai you will need to take another songtaew to Doi Tung. 1km hike from the car park to the top of Doi Pha Tang where the peak sits Alternatively charter a songtaew or rent a car directly from Chiang Rai. at an altitude of 1,909m. The peak of Doi Pha Tang offers a stunning 360- degree view of Laos and Thailand divided by the River.

The small trails along the mountain ridge offer a scenic view, so spend a few hours up here. If you take your own tent you can camp on the summit.

Stop at Ban Pha Tang to try out the local foods such the stewed pork and steamed buns. You will find this store at the bottom of the steep road which heads up to Doi Patang.

How to get there: Doi Patang 3 hour drive from Chiang Rai. There is no public transport so you either have to hire car/motorbike in town or charter car with a driver – best to combine with a trip to Phu Chi Fa.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Hot Springs

While the rest of Thailand is steamy hot, Chaing Rai‘s winter drops to freezing. It is the pefect time to soak away in a hot spring while admiring the nature around you.

Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring The Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring is located along the Kok River in the Lam Nam Kok National Park, about 24km north-west of Chiang Rai. This is one of the nicest hot springs in Chiang Rai. The hot spring is set in a relaxing forest surrounding with a water temperature of 65 degrees Celcius.

How to get there: For an adventure hire a motorbike or 4WD in Chiang Rai. Alternatively, take a longtail boat upriver from the Chiang Rai pier located by the Mae Fah Luang Bridge.

Opening hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily (follows National Park hours). Nam Roo Hot Spring Set high up in the mountains, Nam Roo Hot Spring is the closest you'll get Pong Phrabat Hot Spring to a natural infinity pool. The view over the mountains is incredible. The Pong Phrabat Hot Spring is the closest to Chiang Rai, located just Nam Roo Hot Spring is not marked on maps, nor is it known by western 11km north of town. The water is naturally heated however the hot spring is tourists. There are signs along the way from Fang, though it can be tough concreted and tiled. Don't expect a scenic setting like the other hot springs following the way. If going there I suggest you use these co-ordinates on a in the National Park. map (19°55'19.9"N 99°06'27.6"E).

How to get there: there is no public transport to Pong Phrabat Hot Spring. How to get there: there is no public transport to Fang Hot Spring. Hire a A motorbike or songtaew rip takes about 25min – best to combine with motorbike in Chiang Rai or charter a driver in Fang – best to combine with Pong Phrabat Waterfall. a trip to Fang Hot Spring.

Opening hours: 8am to 8pm daily (subject to change) Opening hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily (National Park opening hours).

Entry fee: 20 THB per person. Entry fee: 200 THB per person.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Pong Phra Soet Hot Spring The Pong Phra Soet Hot Spring is also located in the Lam Nam Kok National Park. It is only 1km away from the Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring and is in a similar natural forest surrounding by the Kok River. There is a large outdoor pool for the general public and 8 private spa rooms which can be reserved.

How to get there: For an adventure hire a motorbike or 4WD in Chiang Rai. Alternatively, take a longtail boat upriver from the Chiang Rai pier located by the Mae Fah Luang Bridge.

Opening hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily (follows the National Park opening hours) however you may be able to get in after hours as there is no administration office here.

Fang Hot Spring Fang Hot Spring is located in the Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park about 2 hours from town. It’s in , but easier to reach from Chiang Rai. There is a natural geyser by the park entrance which erupts every 10 minutes or so up to a height of 50 meters.

There are private hot spring houses within walking distance of the geyser. They are some of the best hot springs in northern Thailand. You will have to pay an additional hourly fee to use the private rooms.

How to get there: there is no public transport to Fang Hot Spring. Hire a motorbike in Chiang Rai or charter a driver in Fang.

Opening hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily (National Park opening hours).

Entry fees: National park entry fees are 300 THB per person plus a vehicle entry fee. The journey will take about 1.5hrs one way.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Towns

Chiang Rai is just one of many towns in the province. To see what the rest of Chiang Rai looks like you should visit one or more of the following towns. Each town has its own unique attractions. With one week to spend in Chiang Rai, you may as well them all.

Chiang Khong Chiang Khong is a sleepy little town situated along the Mekong River across the water from Laos. There are a whole lines of hotels where you can enjoy the river view with a Laotian mountain backdrop.

The city itself isn’t so much of a travellers destination, rather a stopover for those crossing to Laos, or traveling around the northern Thai border from the mountains to Mai Sai.

If staying in Chiang Kong you should not miss the early morning procession of monks. The monks walk the streets at around 6am to fill the alms with food offerings. It is a cultural experience not to be missed.

I highly suggest staying a night at the Fortune River View. It is incredibly cheap for a luxury hotel and offers a great view of the Mekong River.

Stay Here: Fortune River View.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Mae Sai Chiang Saen Mae Sai is located 60km north of Chiang Rai on the Thai-Myanmar. In the Chiang Saen is located 50km north of Chiang Kong It is home to a city of past, Mai Sai was a popular crossing point for "border runs" a quick and ancient temples dating back to the year 1325, well before Ayutthaya. cheap way to extend tourist visas for an additional 14 days. The most popular attraction here is the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, These days the Myanmar border market is the main attraction. Here you Laos, and Myanmar borders meet. They are divided by the Mekong and can find a wide range of knock-off goods, terrible cigarettes, and Ruak rivers. The Golden Triangle is really just a quick photo stop though. questionable Burmese whiskey. Most people only head across the border to Tachilek for an hour or so, but it is also possible to stay for a couple of Spend your time in Chiang Saen exploring the ancient temples such as; Wat Pa Sak, Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, Wat Roi Ko, and Wat Phra Buat. nights in a hotel near the market. They are all are located within Chiang Saen's Old City precinct and are You can also apply for a special permit before crossing the border to within walking distance of each other. venture deeper into Myanmar to the Kentung district.

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Hotels in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai may be a small town, but there is no shortage of quality hotels and resorts. Whether you want a budget guesthouse or a luxury hotel, there is a good option out there.

Budget

Mercy Hostel Fun-D Hostel

Mercy Hostel is located right by the Chiang Fun-D Hostel is located just 700 meters Rai Night Bazaar, just 500 meters from the from of the town centre nearby the King centre of town. It is one of the closest Mengrai Monument. There are private hotels in to the town centre. There are 8- rooms, 6-bed dorms, and 8-bed dorms to bed dorms and private rooms. Rooms choose from. Rooms have Wi-Fi and air have Wi-Fi and air conditioning. You will conditioning. Watch out for the amazing love the swimming pool and the pool table, beer specials and live music nights. a great place to meet other backpackers. Stay here: Fun-D Hostel Stay here: Mercy Hostel

Banlomnow The Banlomnow Guesthouse is a nice colonial building located about 2km south of the town. There are private rooms with air conditioners, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. The guesthouse is close enough to town to be walking distance (about 30 minutes) though it is a fair bit further out than Mercy Hostel.

Stay here: Banlomnow Guesthouse

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Mid-Range and Luxury

The Riviere formerly The Legend Chiang Rai

The Riviere Island Resort is located 2km The Legend Chiang Rai is a super luxury from the centre of town alongside the Kok style resort located right along the banks River (walking distance). The Riviere of the Kok River. If you want to splurge a Island Resort overlooks the mountain bit on your trip, then look no further. ranges to the north, perhaps one of the Everything here is amazing; food, pool, nicest views in Chiang Rai. views, rooms, and beds. You may only stay one or two nights here, but you won’t Stay here: The Riviere forget them.

Stay here: The Legend Chiang Rai

Laluna Resort, Chiang Rai Laluna Resort is a great mid-range hotel nearby the center of Chiang Rai. It is located within walking distance of the weekend walking street markets, 2km south of the city center. Laluna Resort has a great swimming pool and comfortable rooms. A great spot for your time spent in the city.

Stay here: Laluna Resort

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide

A few finishing notes...

Thank you for purchasing my Chiang Rai Travel Guide! I hope you have found this guide useful in planning your trip to Chiang Rai. It is an amazing part of Thailand which I know you are going to love.

Many people travel to Chiang Rai for only one day. You might be able to squeeze in a few local attracftions, but it just won’t do this beautiful province the justice it deserves. I suggest spending at least three days in Chiang Rai. You won’t regret it.

If you have any further questions please feel free to email me on: [email protected]

Otherwise happy travels,

Josh Shephard

Travel Writer, Photographer, Videographer – The Lost Passport

The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide